'One-stop-shop' for drug and alcohol concerns

The “Info-station” on the Castlewellan Road is fitted out with comfortable seats, free internet access and a Wii station for teens who want to meet up and talk about any issues or problems they may have.

But the centre, described as a “one-stop-shop”, is not just for young people according to Youth Information and Advice Co-ordinator Mary Kate McKevitt, who spoke at the launch event last week.

“We are here as a point of contact for young people affected by these issues, but we also want to be able to point those who are worried about other people - family members or friends - in the right direction,” she told the Leader.

The most recent research, carried out in 2007, revealed that more than three quarters of teenagers who have consumed alcohol did so aged 13 or younger.

A new satellite office, where people can drop in and get advice on where to go to get help with their problems, is also set to open its doors in Dromore at the end of the month.

Pupils from Dromore High School attended the recent launch event and said the new centre is a great idea for the area.

Year 11 pupil Terri Cain, a member of the youth forum in Dromore, said, “It is really good because it gives people my ages somewhere to go and something to do.”

Rebecca Rooney, a Year nine pupil at the High School, said, “I go to Dromore Youth Club every week and it’s great fun because we get to do different activities but we also learn about things like alcohol and drugs.”

Craig Cook, Director of REACT, said, “The Info-station will employ two frontline members of staff who are very well trained and experienced in health and youth work. They will act as a focal point of contact for the young people and provide a referral ‘gateway’ to a wide range of health service providers from both the statutory and voluntary/community sectors.”

He explained that the centre help young people struggling with a wide range of issues.

“As substance use and misuse is only one of the many issues that young people face, the service will also focus on addressing other issues such as, suicide and self-harm, mental health and wellbeing, sexual health, relationship issues and coping with school and employment,” he said.